7 Makeup Remover Oils for Acne-Prone Skin to Eradicate Blackheads

I know using makeup remover oil on acne-prone skin doesn’t sound like a good idea, but hear me out. Makeup remover oils are specially formulated to dissolve impurities on the skin’s surface more deeply than traditional cleansers, and they also break down oil in the pores more effectively. In addition, they do not remove moisture from the skin, but leave it very soft and moisturized. They are used as the first step in a double cleansing routine that, if done properly, can miraculously reduce acne and even fine filaments of sebaceous glands.

However, makeup remover oils can also break out the skin if the wrong product is used or rubbed on the face for too long, which is why they have a poor reputation among the acne sufferer community. But that won’t happen, because I’ll teach you all the tricks of the double cleanse and share the best oil cleansers for acne-prone skin so you can make the most of the technique and enjoy a more balanced complexion.

What should you look for in a makeup remover oil if your skin is prone to acne?
These types of cleansers use oils to dissolve the oil that gets stuck in your pores, so they are perfect for unclogging them and reducing the chances of blackheads and pimples. They work according to a scientific principle called “similarity solubility”. This means that substances with similar chemical structures are more likely to dissolve each other. Therefore, when an oil-based cleanser is applied to the skin, it attracts and removes oily impurities such as makeup and sunscreen.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, give preference to cleansers made with lighter oils rather than greasy ones that do not cause acne. Jojoba, grapeseed and sunflower oils are good choices, while heavier oils such as avocado and coconut oils should be avoided. Ideally, cleansers should be free of synthetic fragrances and drying alcohols, both of which can irritate the skin and make acne worse.

Have questions about which products to use? Here are the best cleansing oils for acne-prone and congested skin, according to skin experts and Redditor.

 

     

The best acne oil cleansers
IUNIK Calendula Vegan Deep Makeup Remover Oil
This blackhead and acne melting cleanser contains 94% natural plant oils that are both gentle and nourishing, with dramatic results. It dissolves stubborn makeup and breaks down sebum without stripping the skin, leaving the face super moisturized and comfortable. What makes this product special is that it’s made with sunflower oil rich in linoleic acid, a fatty acid that breaks down sebum and provides intense hydration. We love that it’s formulated with a minimalist formula made with just eight ingredients and is free of chemicals, fragrances and alcohol.

Hansgold Pore Makeup Remover Oil
This makeup remover has everything acne-prone skin needs and nothing it doesn’t. The star ingredient in Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil is Betaine Salicylate, a blend of salicylic acid that absorbs excess oil and dissolves dead skin, and Betaine, a moisturizer that draws moisture into the skin. This mixture has a gentle exfoliating effect that fully cleanses and purifies pores, ultimately minimizing breakouts.

Kose Softymo Quick Makeup Remover Oil
Acne-prone Redditors love this makeup remover, raving about its ability to quickly remove makeup and remove pore-clogging sebum-some call it an affordable alternative to Tatcha makeup remover. The formula leaves the complexion clean and glowing with a healthy glow, without ever drying out the skin or leaving an oily residue. Remember to use it on dry hands and dry skin.

Dermalogica Precleanse Makeup Remover Oil
Dermalogica Precleanse Makeup Remover Oil contains high levels of antibacterial apricot oil, an ingredient that fights bacteria lurking on the skin’s surface. It also contains essential fatty acids to condition and nourish your skin, so your complexion won’t be tight after washing your face. You see, when you rinse off the makeup remover with water, it turns into a creamy texture that gently caresses your skin instead of messing it up. Bonus: the citrusy scent from natural extracts will leave you feeling refreshed.

DHC Deep Makeup Remover Oil
Break down dirt and impurities and remove all traces of makeup with HG Makeup Remover Oil, which has sold over 160 million bottles worldwide and received over 13,000 positive reviews from Amazon shoppers. This oil cleanser uses a blend of organic olive oil, rosemary leaf oil and vitamin E to rejuvenate, soften and prepare your skin for your second wash step.

The Face Shop Rice Water Brightening Makeup Remover Oil
Rice water is a key ingredient in the K-beauty ritual because of its ability to lighten dark spots, and this makeup remover oil contains plenty of it, making it perfect for those with post-acne blemishes. Best of all, jojoba oil locks in moisture so your skin will feel velvety soft after washing off the cleanser. You only need a pump or two to break down sunscreen, pollutants and debris.

Palmer’s Cleansing Oil
Sure, this is affordable in itself, but on top of that, it effectively eliminates all the grossness of the day, is super gentle and non-comedogenic, and you’re already getting your money’s worth. In addition to containing the well-known barrier repair ingredient soybean oil, it infuses the skin with antioxidants from grape seed, sesame, rice and argan oils. Glide it onto dry skin (with moist hands) to subtly dissolve impurities and enjoy radiance.

Expert Insights on How to Use Makeup Remover Oil
Makeup remover oil should only be used as part of a double cleanse, so you’ll need to wash your face again afterwards. If you don’t follow up with another cleanser, the residual oils can clog pores and trigger acne – been there, done that. Here’s how you do it:

First, reserve makeup remover oil for your PM routine. It doesn’t make sense to double cleanse in the morning when there’s not much to remove. Evenings are the best time to use makeup remover oils because they remove sebum, makeup and sunscreen from the day. Also, don’t feel like you need to do this often. Once every two nights is enough for effective cleansing without over-cleansing the skin or breaking the moisture barrier.

When using an oil-based cleanser, gently massage for no more than a minute, focusing on the cheeks, nose and acne-prone areas. Most experts recommend 15 to 45 seconds to cleanse the oil – over-cleansing can compromise the skin’s barrier. Then pat your face with warm water to allow the oil to react with the water – this also makes it easier to remove. Afterwards, continue with your choice of a more standard cleanser to remove oil residue and leave your skin feeling soft and plump.